Intense Pulsed Light Therapy - IPL (Lumecca)

In our harsh southern hemisphere climate, the years of sun exposure has aged the skin causing hyperpigmentation, fine lines and textural changes in our skin. Over my years of practicing in Ballito as a general practitioner (GP), I have now found Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy with the Lumecca device to be highly effective in targeting some of these skin concerns. IPL is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses high-intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of all these various skin concerns in Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3. It works by delivering multiple wavelengths of light energy to target specific chromophores (light-absorbing components) in the skin.

How Does IPL Therapy Work?

• The light energy is absorbed by the target areas, such as pigmented lesions or blood vessels.

• The absorbed light is converted to heat energy, which damages the specific target and breaks it down.

• For pigmented lesions, the heat destroys the pigment cells, causing the lesions to appear darker initially before flaking off or being absorbed by the body.

• For blood vessels, the heat causes the blood to thicken in the vessel walls, hindering circulation and causing the veins to collapse and be absorbed by the body.

  
  

Conditions Treated by IPL Therapy

IPL therapy can treat a variety of skin concerns, including:

• Age spots

• Broken blood vessels

• Melasma

• Port-wine stains

• Rosacea

• Sunspots and freckles

• Acne scars

• Birthmarks

• Hyperpigmentation

• Stretch marks

• Sun-damaged skin

• Wrinkles

  
  

Ideal Candidates for IPL Therapy

The ideal patients for IPL therapy are those with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3). People with darker skin tones may not achieve the same results and may be at a higher risk of complications like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is important that I consult with my patients to determine if IPL therapy is suitable for the particular skin type and concerns.

Procedure and Recovery

• The procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes.

• A cooling gel is applied to the skin, and protective eyewear is worn during the treatment.

• Most people describe the sensation as a light pinch or the snap of a rubber band.

• Minimal downtime is required, and patients can often return to work immediately after the procedure.

• Pre-treatment skin preparation is mandatory, the most important being sun protection and preparation of the skin barrier.

• Side effects are usually minor and may include redness, swelling, blistering, bruising, or changes in skin color, which usually resolve quickly.

  
  

Tailor made solutions

• Results vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

• Multiple treatments are usually required, with 3-6 treatments for most skin conditions.

• Treatments are spaced about a month apart to allow the skin time to heal.

• Maintenance treatments may be needed to maintain results.

IPL therapy can be an effective non-invasive option for improving the appearance of various skin concerns, but it is important that I have a consultation with my patients to determine if it is the right treatment for you.